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Goodbye, Jason

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Illinois

* Many years ago, I made a huge mistake and got into an automobile with someone who had way too much to drink. He was pulled over and arrested for DUI, and the cops told me I was on my own.

It was very late at night during the work week, it was freezing cold and I was so poor back then that I didn’t have enough cash for a taxi. But I knew right away that there was one person I could call for help: Jason Hammond.

Jason answered the phone on the first ring, then high-tailed it all the way across town to get me. He had coffee and cigarettes waiting for me as I stepped into his car, freezing, tired and feeling stupid. What a guy.

Jason was one of the most unusual people I knew. He served in Vietnam. He was wounded in action, but reenlisted as a medic. That second tour really screwed up his head, but he said his life was saved because he was discharged in San Francisco at the tail end of the summer of 1967.

He spent the next several years hanging out with hippies and honing his skills as a master carpenter. The guy could build anything. He and his wife raised their children in a modified Bluebird bus and a tipi in southern New Mexico. Not exactly your typical middle class family, but it worked well for all.

Jason eventually ended up working on the National Park Service’s massive Lincoln home restoration in Springfield. The master carpenter was matched up with one of the more difficult and painstaking restoration jobs ever done in the Midwest. He was in Heaven.

After that job ended, Jason decided to move back to New Mexico. His friends were universally bummed out. Jason’s house was the center of most of our gatherings. He had a great fire pit and even an outside bar area. I decided to rent the place to help preserve our little communal spot, but I knew it wouldn’t be the same without Jason and it wasn’t.

We kept in touch, and some friends and I occasionally visited him. I hadn’t heard from him in a while, but sometimes we’d go months without talking then gab like we’d just seen each other the day before.

Anyway, a mutual friend saw a disturbing post on Facebook yesterday and went to Jason’s page and to her great sadness saw that people were leaving condolence messages. Jason had died.

We eventually discovered that Jason had a recurrence of cancer, but didn’t really tell anybody about it. That was his way. He wouldn’t want us fussing over him when we could be laughing with him instead.

I guess my only real regret is that I didn’t visit him more often, particularly after he set up an awesome recording studio in his house and was bringing musicians in almost every Friday night for extended jam sessions. He had quite the scene going on. I often called on Friday nights just to catch the vibe.

On my way to visit him in the late 1990s, I stopped at a friend’s house in northern New Mexico and we wound up at a beautiful American Indian-owned mineral springs spa out in the country. I was chatting with the masseuse about my trip, and discovered that she was from Springfield. I told her that my next stop was to visit Jason and she said she had met him once in Springfield and recalled her entire conversation with him. Jason made a lasting impression on just about everyone he ever met. He was a different sort of human, and I loved the man like a brother.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 11:38 am

Comments

Rich:

My heart goes out to you on the loss of your friend, and also to his family. This man sounded like a true free spirit, which is a life I think all of us would want if we had the courage to let go sometimes.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 11:47 am
My sincerest sympathies Rick. Last year I lost a man like that. I had known him for thirty years. He was twenty years my senior but it did not matter. He was liberal, I am conservative. Still did not matter. I still miss him. Again, I am sorry for your (and many others) loss.

Comment by wizard Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 11:49 am
Rich sorry about your loss. Sounds like somebody you would want to meet and hope he would befriend you.

Comment by Nuance Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 11:58 am
Rich –

My deepest sympathies for the loss of your friend. Sounds like Jason was a unique and amazing person. My condolences…

Comment by Bardo2 Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 11:59 am
Rich, this is a wonderful tribute to a dear friend. I will pray for Jason, his family, and you in the time of mourning.

Comment by South Side Mike Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:00 pm
Rich, even for those of us who do not know you personally it has become obvious that you have been blessed to have some amazing, interesting, unusual, gifted people in your life to count as friends. Friendship is a two way street. It is clear that you go out of your way to keep in touch with your friends and revel in, and appreciate, their unique qualities. Long-time friends–especially the quirky ones– make our lives rich.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:03 pm
When I was in my late 40s, three close friends died in the same month. It made me realize that “Life is not a Dress Rehearsal;” and that, time, our most valuable possession, is a wasting asset. Sounds like your friend lived a meaningful life. We could all take a lesson from his example.

Comment by Louis Howe Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:04 pm
My deepest sympathy, Rich. He has touched the lives of so many people and your tribute to him touched all of our hearts.

Comment by Interested Observer Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:06 pm
Nice tribute, Rich, and sorry for your loss. Sounds like a great guy.

Comment by 71 Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:06 pm
Thanks, Responsa. As I always say, I don’t hang out with just anybody.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:07 pm
Rich, your words have captured Jason’s essence quite well. Thank you! I hope we can all gather together soon and share our memories of this rare and loving man.

Comment by Miss Vicki Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:10 pm
Rich:

I am so very sorry for your loss. thank you for sharing the
story of your wonderful friend. his spirit, and your
sharing, enrich all of us.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:12 pm
He was and always will be a great guy. I was just out to visit in February. He seemed healthy as a horse. He literally beemed showing me around his studio and around Silver City in general. I’ve got to stop before my tears short out the computer. But for Jason, Question Authority!

Comment by Dead Head Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:15 pm
Sounds like a great guy. Very sorry for your loss.

Comment by just sayin' Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:18 pm
Capt Fax
Good friends are hard to come by. All too often the world keeps us away from close contact.
Remember all the times together happy and rocky and hug the wife or kids or dog a couple of extra times to catch up
You’re in the prayer

Comment by Reddbyrd Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:31 pm
Thanks Rich for that tribute. I didn’t know Jason, but after reading your words I wish that I had.

I’m sorry for your loss.

Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:32 pm
He had an awesome life! I love meeting people who take advantage of their freedom and liberty to live life to it’s fullest! He lived courageously, gracefully and honestly. He taught a lot of people about life by showing them how to do it. You are lucky to have been a part of his life’s celebration.

He is to be congratulated for his brilliant success in mastering what so few of us are too afraid to ever try. A man like that never dies, he just reaches out to those who knew him in a new way for the rest of their lives and is born again when his life lessons are passed on to a new generation. Keep keeping that flame alive!

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:32 pm
Nothing short of my deepest condolences.

These moments impact our lives and all we can do is hope that we live our lives in a manner that honors those who have gone before us.

Comment by A.B. Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:34 pm
Rich,

My thoughts are with you and the Hammond family.

I hope that I am half the man my dog thinks I am. Sounds like your friend doubled that!

Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:39 pm
In the midst of of the political hoo-ha, you always have a way of making us stop and think. My heart goes out to you.

What a wonderful friend he was, and you are. God must be building BIG things to take such a great friend and carpenter.

Comment by Fan of Cap Fax Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:44 pm
Thank you for this, Rich. Jason was a dear friend and more to me,too, and I miss him terribly already. But it’s wonderful to read stories and hear memories and see pictures of him from so many people whose lives he touched. Thank you.

Comment by Luan Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:48 pm
A touching tribute, Rich. Our deepest condolances to his family and friends.

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:53 pm
Rich I have found that the greatest stories are not about presidents and individuals made popular by the media but arise out of everyday circumstances from the lives of “everyday” people. Who act unselfishly because of their character and not for recognition.
Jason sounds like one of those individuals and you are lucky to have met him and shared in his story.

Comment by Rick Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 12:58 pm
Rich,

Very sorry for your loss. Jason seems like he was a great guy. Take care.

Comment by downstate hack Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 1:11 pm
So sorry for this - another - loss. It’s been a tragic year of losing good friends too soon. I’ll keep you and Jason’s family/friends in my thoughts.

Comment by Anonymiss Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 1:22 pm
Rich,

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

You wrtote a very good story to memorialize him. He would have loved it.

Comment by Third Generation Chicago Native Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 1:23 pm
“The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships.”
- Abraham Lincoln

Rich, condolences with regard to your loss. Although we have never met, the unusual part of this story to me however just may be the coincidence within. I believe the place you were at in New Mexico may have been Ojo Caliente, and I vistited there in the same time period, and believe that I met the same maseuse.

What are the odds of that happening? Shades of the Celestine Prophecy; I’d have to say.

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 1:26 pm
Yep. That’s the place.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 1:32 pm
He sounds like quite a guy. I wish I had the pleasure.

Comment by Levois Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 1:35 pm
So sorry for your loss. I don’t know you or Jason, but I am very aware that in this crazy world, friends like Jason are a precious touchstone and their loss is deeply felt. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.

Comment by cynically anonymous Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:20 pm
Rich,
I worked with Jason for the past 7 years as his engineer in the studio. Thank you for your wonderful words. You described Jason perfectly. Few gave so much so willingly. I will miss my dear friend deeply.

Comment by Joe Doyle Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:29 pm
Thanks, Joe.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:34 pm
Rich, Thank you for sharing the heartwarming story. A reminder to all to reach out to those you love as you never know when you may have your last opportunity. Sorry for your loss

Comment by Larry Mullholland Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:47 pm
Joe, I met you when I was down there in February. I’d kinda like to talk. If you can, give me a call at 217.691.7304. Thanks.

Comment by Dead Head Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:20 pm
I am very sory for your loss; it sounds like he was a hell of a man. Thinking of you.

Comment by Jimmy Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:30 pm
He was, Jimmy. Thanks.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:32 pm
Thank you Rich…Knowing and working with Jason was a real enriching part of my life…He loved life….I was there to help him build his studio… Jason was always willing to be a true friend…He was a very rare type of human He will be sorely missed by many….

Comment by Bird Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:15 pm
Rich, that was a very moving tribute to a friend. After I read your post I felt like I almost knew him. May he rest in peace knowing all of the good he brought to people.

Comment by downhereforyears Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 5:29 pm
Rich,

Sorry for your loss. I never met him, I think how I missed out meeting Jason. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 5:48 pm
That is beyond coincidence. I hope that after your massage you had the chance to exprience the Indian Wrap. I believe that may be the closest experience to Nirvana that I have ever had, and I have thought often about going back there one day.

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 7:29 pm
Rich, so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this tribute for your friend with us, sounds like he was an incredible person and dear friend. I love a free spirit.

Comment by Laura Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 7:37 pm
Soul Friends…. They are one in a million…. Sorry for your loss.

Comment by Chubbie Cubbie Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 8:35 pm
hello rich, i am jason’s step daughter, tracy hodgeman. he and i lived together from when i was 6 to 18. thank you for your eloquent words. that is a great photo too. it’s so hard to believe he’s gone. i keep thinking i’ll wake up and find out its all been a bad dream. ah well. “meet you in the soup if we ever fly the coop.” “never a dull moment.” “the beginning is near.” (some of the sayings that we lived by in that blue bus). i hope he’s sitting around with frank zappa trading stories up in hippy heaven.

rock on!!!!

Comment by grasshopper Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 9:51 pm
What an eloquent and moving tribute…my sympathies, Rich.

Comment by Ann W. Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 11:19 pm
A warm car to take you home on a cold night, tunes, talk, laughter, cigarettes and coffee…

…Warm breezes, the wind’s whisper, cloud formations….

Great friendships know no boundaries.

Comment by The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 11:21 pm
What a beautiful tribute. We are so sorry to hear this. He was a special man and the world is just a little diminished now. We are sorry for your loss, so close to the other ones in this difficult year for you. Jason was truly one of a kind….we always seem to lose the good ones, don’t we? We know you have great memories of him to help sustain you. They broke the mold after him. Thanks for describing him perfectly.

Comment by Val and Dave Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 11:28 pm
Rich — I join your many many friends here to offer heartfelt condolence on the loss of your friend, Jason. Your tribute to him is lovely. While I didn’t know him, he came to life for me as I read your words and the comments of his friends and family. May he rest in peace and may we all take a moment to realize the importance of kindness and friendship in our usually chaotic daily lives.

Comment by LG Wednesday, Aug 25, 10 @ 1:01 am
Time for a two step around the dance floor. You and me, soon. A big grin and a laugh around the campfire. Beautiful tribute Rich.

Comment by Lynn Wednesday, Aug 25, 10 @ 10:04 pm
Jason was truly a big part of the glue that binds this little community. Wise, kind, generous, and so much more. He possessed so many great attributes. If a person has a small percentage of what he had, they’re doing pretty well. Somewhere there is red carpet being rolled out for his arrival.

Comment by Josh D. Wednesday, Aug 25, 10 @ 11:31 pm
Rich, I don’t know you but I know Jason and I would have to say that you hit the nail right on the head… a true gift has now moved on…

thank you for writing this!

Comment by Derek Ramnarace Wednesday, Sep 1, 10 @ 8:54 pm